Unheard & Unseen

It is often said that Man was not meant for this world - and that his settlements and dwellings, so vulgar and unnatural in shape, are unfit to stain the earth. The Wilderness - surely eager to reclaim this land - always lingers just on the borders of civilisation, or else on the fringes of the mind, an ephemeral concern. It is vast, unknown, and surely harbours menaces beyond reckoning, and visions unsuited to mortal ken.

But perhaps also those dense forests and mountain valleys harbour treasures or knowledge fit only for those of brave heart and stout form. Perhaps the true meaning of life might be found in hitherto undisturbed ancient caves - or lonely gods squatting in tranquil forest groves - or the spirits of mighty ancestors at peace in their hundreds, together, somewhere in that vast realm. Who can say?

You have always taken care to leash such interests carefully, and stick to clear passages or towns in your travels, or to well-mapped groves in your hunts. But in spite of these banal and rigid habits, you have never truly been able to extinguish that undying ember of curiosity, and still host childish dreams of exploring the great realms beyond the known.

This is doubtlessly what made you so well suited to the task set by the village Soothsayer - who, ostensibly wracked by harrowing visions, has commanded a full reckoning of the realms surrounding the settlement. This is exotic territory indeed for the otherwise insular Soothsayers - and you and others could not resist the call of adventure, and the opportunity to satisfy your long-held curiosities.

You all have your own reasons for undertaking this task, and most of you are reticent to divulge any information. Each of you harbours a suspicion, a doubt, that they are lacking a full understanding of their comrades… but though disparate in craft, skill, and background, you are sure that you will be able to work together.

And besides - you are certain that the old Soothsayer has not been forthcoming.